Day off

Since Sofia's school year ended yesterday, and her summer camp starts until next week, I decided to take Thursday and Friday off to just hang out with her. Unfortunately today started with a visit to her dentist to fix not one, but THREE cavities, but the day got better from there. We ran a lot of errands, grabbed pizza for lunch, and after picking Bella up earlier than usual we even made time to go to the pool.

De vacaciones

Yesterday was Sofia's last day of school. She is now officially on summer vacation!

Illustration of an uncooperative child...

I heart my Daddy

Diego enjoys Chicago

Abuelitos in Chicago

Chicago street art

37 years ago...

37 years ago my parents left Chicago - after 3 years living there - so Gabi could grow up in Mexico. Ever since they left they had never been back ... until now. Even though they have been living in Cincinnati for over 6 years now, we hadn't been able to convince them to take a long weekend and go there with us. For them - especially for my dad - the idea of being in the car for several hours, sleeping away from your bed, and getting out of your routine, is more of a hassle than something to look forward to. But this past weekend they finally decided to come with us. We were all very excited about it, because their return to the city that saw them as two young people just starting out was way, way overdue.

Unfortunately Bella decided to be in her worst behavior during the trip, which I must admit drained some of the happiness from the rest of us, but overall we still had a good time. I hope that being there brought some good memories back for my parents, especially when we visited the neighborhood where they used to live and the hospital where Gabi was born. Who knew that 37 years later, the three of them would be back to visit square one.

Bad behavior

Multiple things in life can make you feel like a total loser. Your kids behaving badly, and making it difficult for everybody else to enjoy themselves, is certainly one of them.

Just another day in paradise...

Sofia: "Mami, what shoes should I wear? Pink or yellow?
Me: "The pink ones"
Sofia: "Or the yellow ones?"
Me: "Whichever you want"
Sofia: "No, you tell me"
Me: "The pink ones"
Sofia: "Hmmm ... I think I'll just wear the yellow ones"

Butterfly Show

This afternoon the girls and I went to the butterfly show. This year they have butterflies from across the world. Lionel was playing soccer, so we had to go without him. It was a very hot day in Cincinnati and inside the conservatory it wasn't any better, but still, the girls had a good time even though today they didn't catch any butterflies. Maybe we'll go back another day to see if they have better luck.

Lunch outside

This afternoon was so nice in the shade that I decided we would be eating lunch outside. It is not often that we get to do that, because it is either too hot or too cold. And sometimes we don't even think about even if the weather is ok. Sofia helped me set the table, and she even gave us all nametags which I thought was really cute of her.

Miedosa

This morning we took Sofia to the park so she could practice riding her bike. I asked to take a picture of her at the beginning, so I could capture her while she was still in a good mood.  Lionel told me she was afraid of falling, so I knew the practice could potentially be a tricky thing. Sofia is so afraid of falling that she essentially sabotages herself. Lionel lost his patience with her, so we had to switch places and he chased Bella around while I did my best to show Sofia that she had no reason to be afraid. I showed her what to do if she felt she was starting to lose her balance and, more importantly, what not to do.

It is going to be a long road ahead of us, but one we can't avoid. It is not that I want her to be the best biker ever, but I certainly can't let her be consumed by fear.

Girls night out

Last night I went out for dinner with Gabi and several of our Hispanic friends who also happen to be moms. The time flew by, but we were at the restaurant for a long time. We talked and talked, until I think they were eager to kick us out. It was a nice and well deserved break.

Cutie pie

I like taking pictures of the girls, even if most of the time we don't have a special occasion to celebrate. I just like to capture the memories, because they are growing so fast.